Territory Day celebrations come with burns warning

Territory Day celebrations kick off with an official ceremony at the NT Parliament House, in Darwin.

Andrew Thompson

Territorians have been warned to steer clear of ice, butter and frozen peas when it comes to treating burns this cracker night.

It comes as Territory Day celebrations kick off at Parliament House in Darwin.

Chief Minister Adam Giles has welcomed almost 60 new Australian citizens as part of Territory Day's official ceremony at Parliament House in Darwin.

The new citizens come from a wide range of countries including the UK, Philippines, Ireland and India.

And 109 new Australian citizens are being sworn in at a ceremony in Alice Springs.

But as new Australians are being sworn across the Territory, Territorians are being urged to be careful with crackers.

Kidsafe NT spokesman David Read, who is also a burns and trauma surgeon at Royal Darwin Hospital, warned parents should supervise their children at a safe distance from the fireworks.

"I'd just like to emphasise to parents if you do have bad luck, and you or your family are injured by a firework on Territory Day, (the proper first aid) is 20 minutes of cool running water," Dr Read said.

"Don't use ice. Don't use butter. Don't use frozen peas. These make burns worse."

The agency works to prevent accidental childhood injuries, and Dr Read recommended parents take children to public fireworks events.

"There are safe zones, in our part of the world up here in Darwin, where you can go and watch the professionals let off fireworks apparently in Mindil Beach," he said.

"The displays will be much bigger and brighter and more spectacular especially for little eyes, and considerably safer."

Dr Read said fireworks might be legal on Territory Day, but that they were extremely dangerous for children.

"Parents should look after what is society's most valuable asset - our future, our children - and keep children at a safe distance from all fireworks."